Grandparents' sweet photoshoot for 63 year anniversary

A married couple from the US have celebrated 63 years of marriage with a beautiful photoshoot. The couple, Wanda and Joe, had these images taken by their granddaughter, photographer Shalyn Nelson, whose series, ‘Love, The Nelsons’, aims to “show lovers around the world that true love still exists”.

“I knew I wanted to create something special, and celebrate what true love was to me. And that for me, was my grandparents,” Shalyn told Buzzfeed, “[My Mamaw] loved every minute. It was so cute to see how excited she was to get all dolled up. I went to Macy’s to try to find my Mamaw a dress, and ended up stuffing the top with my coat at the time to make sure there was enough room in the dress for her.”

“They are without a doubt the best people I know. I call them my heroes.”

During the shoot, Shalyn asked Wanda and Joe to each write a letter about their love to read aloud to each other. Joe’s letter is a heartwarming read: “Dearest Wanda, it’s been a long time since I have written you a letter. I think it was when I was working in Canada, that I wrote you last. Anyway, I still love you just as much, probably more.”

“The years have gone by fast. One morning you just wake up and you are OLD. Anyway, I wouldn’t trade them for all the gold in Alaska. We had 3 great kids and lots of fun raising them. Most of the time. We carried them to movies, playgrounds, swimming, ballgames, parties, etc. I wish that we could bring back some of those days. Now they have kids of their own which we have watched them grow, and some now with kids of their own. We must be real old. The days we had at the Freez-It at Fairfield and The Dixie Queen at Jewett and built the Rocket Drive-In with a 30’ rocket ship on the roof, those were the very hard years with lots of hard work and no vacations. I still worked my engineering job in Houston thru the week, and weekends at the drive-in businesses. Later, we got smart and got out of the drive in business. Later I retired, and we moved back to Jewett. We got into the ranching business. We made a lake and called it Hidden Lake Ranch. Found out that was a lot of hard work too. Now that we are in our Golden years, I think that we have turned to rust with all the Dr.’s we see. Anyway, I will close this letter to you saying I love you as much today as the day I married you. And just think, the license only cost $2.00. The best bargain I ever made. With all my love for you, Joe.”